Junior Seau dead at 43 from gunshot wound to chest
Oceanside, CA – Police have confirmed that former San Diego Charger linebacker Junior Seau has died of a gunshot wound to the chest on Wednesday. He was 43.
Police are investigating his death as a possible suicide.
Police reported that a woman, who indicated that she was Seau’s girlfriend, called police at about 9:35 a.m. reporting that she had returned home and found Seau unconscious in a bedroom suffering from a gunshot wound.
The Oceanside Police Department and Fire Department responded to the residence where they located Seau in one of the bedrooms. A hand gun was found near the body.
Life-saving measures were performed, but were unsuccessful.
Further details of the shooting were not immediately released.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office said a release regarding the ongoing investigation would be issued no later than 3 p.m. PT.
“I have no words to describe the passing of Junior Seau,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said in a release. “It is a sad, sad day for not only me, but for the whole sports community. I worked with Junior here and later in Miami. I can tell you no one had more character and true leadership ability than Junior. He brought passion to the game of football that was unmatched. His commitment to charitable causes in the community was inspiring. It was an honor to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Chargers president Dean Spanos said: “I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now. I’m shocked and devastated. Junior was my friend. We all lost a friend today. Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more. He was loved by everyone in our family, our organization and throughout the NFL. This is just such a tragic loss. One of the worst things I could ever imagine. My prayers go out to Junior’s family. It’s heartbreaking.”
“Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now. We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family,” a statement from the team said.
“It is incredibly tragic and sad. Our prayers are with Junior’s family,” the NFL said in a statement regarding Seau’s sudden passing.
Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee praised Seau’s impact on the South Florida community during his time with the team.
“Junior was one-of-a-kind. The league will never see anyone like him again,” Dee said in a release. “He will be missed, and on behalf of the Miami Dolphins we want to extend our condolences to his family.”
“We were shocked to hear of the initial reports regarding Junior Seau earlier today and are deeply saddened by the news of his death,” the New England Patriots said in a release. “We were fortunate to have had Junior join the Patriots in 2006 and are thankful for his many contributions to the team over the next four years. He had a legendary NFL career and his unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England. This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss.”
Chargers chaplain Shawn Mitchell told U-T San Deigo that he was notified of Seau’s death.
“Junior was an icon not only in San Diego but throughout the nation. Of course this will affect a lot of people, not in the least the children and kids who look up to him,” Mitchell said.
In October 2010, Seau survived a 100-foot plunge down a seaside cliff in his SUV, hours after he was arrested for investigation of domestic violence at the Oceanside home he shared with his girlfriend. The woman had told authorities that Seau assaulted her during an argument.
Seau ended his career in 2009, after playing 20 years in the NFL — 13 in San Diego, three in Miami and four in New England. He was selected to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls while with the Chargers and was named first-team All-Pro six times. He amassed 545 tackles and 56.5 sacks in his NFL career.
Seau led the Chargers to their only Super Bowl appearance in 1995 at Super Bowl XXIX.
Seau was a graduate of Oceanside High School. He was drafted fifth overall out of USC by the Chargers in 1990.
Source: Associated Press
